Lion Sands River Lodge

Property class: 5 and above
All-inclusive hotel in Sabi Sands Game Reserve with 2 outdoor pools and spa

Choose dates to view prices

When visiting Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Lion Sands River Lodge is a great choice to consider. You can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, facials, or aromatherapy, and Boma Dinner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include 2 outdoor pools, a free airport shuttle, and a bar/lounge.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
$2,873 nightly
The total price is $3,304
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Superior Room

A bedroom with a large bed, a sofa, a chair, and a small table. There is a window with a view of trees and a balcony.

Superior Room

  • River view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for River Suite

A bedroom with a large bed, a wooden chair, a small table, and a view of a natural landscape through large windows.

River Suite

  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Room

A bedroom with a large bed, a dining table, chairs, and a view of the outdoors.

Luxury Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Skukuza, Mpumalanga, 1240

Getting around

  • Skukuza (SZK) - 154 min drive
  • Mala Mala (AAM) - 10.9 miles/17.6 km
  • Londolozi (LDZ) - 11.3 miles/18.3 km
  • Free airport shuttle

Restaurants

  • ‪Selati Train Restaurant & Museum - ‬132 min drive
  • ‪Viewing Deck @ Protea Hotel Kruger Park - ‬115 min drive
  • ‪3638 Restaurant - ‬132 min drive
  • ‪One Life More - ‬139 min drive
  • ‪restaurant @ sabi sabi bush lodge - ‬55 min drive

About this property

Lion Sands River Lodge

  • When visiting Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Lion Sands River Lodge is a great choice to consider. You can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, facials, or aromatherapy, and Boma Dinner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include 2 outdoor pools, a free airport shuttle, and a bar/lounge.

All inclusive details

  • This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

  • Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

    • All meals, snacks, and select beverages included
    • Basic alcoholic beverages included

At a glance

CHECK-IN
2:00pm
CHECK-OUT
10:00am

Hotel size

    • 26 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
    • This property is located within a national park, and access is restricted to official gate operating hours. Guests who arrive after the gates have closed will not be able to enter the park or reach the lodge, so it is essential to contact the property after booking and again before arrival to confirm gate times. Guests who intend to participate in scheduled afternoon game drives must confirm the latest arrival time allowed with the property.
    • Guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should contact this property in advance.

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

    • Children (9 years old and younger) not allowed
    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Free onsite valet parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Transfers

    • Free airport shuttle from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM*

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

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Reviews

Lion Sands River Lodge Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Everything about the lodge was amazing from the room to the safaris with our guide Barry and tracker Eddy. Ntombi was amazing during the meals. All staff was very friendly and made our short stay amazing. I would recommend this lodge to anyone going there. I will definitely if I get the opportunity.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The whole trip was like a dream. We saw all of the big 5. The service was outstanding.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We would definitely recommend Lion Sand’s River Lodge! We came here for our honeymoon and this was the most special holiday of our lives. We stayed in the River Suite, which was beautiful, as was the rest of the hotel. The service was fantastic - every member of staff (whether that be in the restaurant, behind the bar, cleaning staff, reception, etc) were incredibly kind, chatty and attentive. The food during our stay was excellent. The highlight of this trip was certainly the game drives. We had Jason (field guide) and Abraham (tracker) and both guys were incredibly knowledgeable, skilled and just very nice people - we really hope that our paths cross again some day! We have been given memories that will last a life time! Josh & Jennifer
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Every tiny detail was taken into account throughout my 4 day stay at the property. Our butler Lucky was a delight, learning our likes and dislikes from the first time we met her, as well as taking the time to teach us new words and chat with us about our day. We had the amazing combination of Mendrew and Brian for our game drives, we saw all of the big five as well as wild dogs, their knowledge about the animals, the terrain and everything in between was remarkable. Nonhlanhla took care of the needs in our room, and would check in on it multiple times a day to ensure everything was pristine. We left our safe open on the first day and she reported it to the head of guest services who locked it for us and gave us a temporary code, not a single thing touched or out of place. From the welcome team, to the team who escort you after dark around the property I can not speak highly enough of the care that was taken. We were celebrating a 50th birthday and I would love to say the team went above and beyond just for us, but honestly it’s the heartbeat of how they treat every guest, everyone is made to feel special and valued. We cannot wait to go back!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Our stay at Lion Sands River Lodge was excellent! From the time we arrived at the Skukuza airport to the time we departed, our expectations were far exceeded. The Lion Sands River Lodge was amazingly decorated with thatch roofs. Dining and sitting areas overlook the river with spectacular views. The lodge also had a well equipped gym with treadmills, bikes and weights. The staff were friendly and customer service was excellent. Our every need was taken care of promptly. Our villa was beautiful and overlooked the river with stunning views. While sitting on our porch, we watched hippos, elephants, crocodiles and nyala. The food was delicious with healthy options as well as comfort foods. The game drives were spectacular. Our safari guide Mendrew, and tracker, Brian were excellent at their skill. We stayed for 4 days and saw leopards each day on the game drives. We saw the big 5 as well as many other animals and birds. Overall, everything about Lion Sands River Lodge is exceptional and we will be back. Many thanks to Mello and the River Lodge team
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Up close and personal with the wildlife.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

We had a major problem in our room and that ants spiders and mosquitoes were in the room. The main door is not sealed property, allowing for these insects to enter. Staff could not find a solution for this problem.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

La magie de l’Afrique

Sejour agréable. Rangers au top. Merci Lucia pour ta bonne humeur durant le séjour. Les personnes qui étaient avec nous pour les safaris étaient très sympathiques. Nous avons eu un problème avec la compagnie aérienne et toute l’équipe était présente pour nous accompagner pour trouver une solution. L’endroit est magique. Nous avons pu voir des lions, buffles et éléphants du lodge
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The Place to Stay for Safari!

Incredible! This is the place to stay when going on safari. My wife loved the spa and the staff really pampers you!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing place with super friendly staff and guests.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff and top notch room quality. Wildlife wonders right up to your porch!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing, special place. One of my favorite spots in the world.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Come for the safari but enjoy the location!

The main reason to stay here is of course the safari drives, and these were exceptional. it seemed like every drive we saw something amazing. The rooms are well appointed and the staff do a great job with keeping everything in good order. Food was of good quality and staff are friendly. The pool area is wonderful to relax in; we saw elephants from it!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great service, great people.

Great service.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Hotel maravilhoso

O hotel é fantástico , os funcionários excelentes , atenção total com os hóspedes . O problema ficou por conta do local , nessa reserva Sabi Sabi não conseguimos ver nenhum Leão , participamos de 5 safaris . Vimos todos os outros animais , os guias são muito atenciosos e parecem empenhados em encontrar os animais mas me arrependi de ter ficado só nesta reserva pq o custo é alto para não conseguir ver os BIG 5 . Até a quantidade de girafas e zebras achei pequena . As acomodações são inesquecíveis, a casa é muito bem decorada e confortável . Para quem as acomodações é o mais importante este é o hotel indicado !
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing place in sabi sands reserve

Just returned from three magical days at the Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sands reserve at Kruger Park Super luxury suites with private pools and decks to watch game in river, we saw elephants and rhinos. Had a semi private butler at meals and the wine sommelier, Reggie, laid out the good stuff for us. Saw lions, leopards, rhinos, hippos and lots of others. Lion Sands set the standard for the private Sabi Sands lodges. Their River Lodge property is next door and offes same game drives at slightly less indulgence
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Beyond Amazing

The staff, super friendly and were happy to go out of there way and listen to your personal preference to make you stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Cleanliness 110% Completely worth the price you pay! Luxury lodges Great food the game drives were beyond expectations Could not have asked for a better experience! Hope to return in the near future
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

I can't say enough about this place. It was a memorable experience. Our only regret was not staying longer. The game drives, ranger, tracker, butler, house keeping, lodge staff, room, ambiance were all spectacular! Looking forward to a repeat visit.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

サファリとは思えないほどラグジュアリーなステイ

全て完璧でした。 モダンで清掃の行き届いた客室やスタッフのきめ細かい心配り、1日でBig5を制覇できるサファリ、美味しい食事。最高の時間を過ごせました。 テラスやプールからは象の大群やバッファロー、カバも見ることができました。
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great safari

We stayed in river lodge which is very good with good river view. The catering and room services are wonderful. All the staff are very polite and helpful. We had 4 safari game drives. Our ranger Liam is very passionate and has good knowledge on everything in the forest! We enjoyed the safari a lot!
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Great Hotel but pricey

This was a beautiful hotel, the room was nice and comfortable and filled with wildlife. The food was excellent and so was the staff. The tree-house we stayed at for a night did not meet expectations... we got there just about two minites before sunset and did not have time to take enough pictures and soak it all in. Our hot dinner was ice cold and the toilet did not have the water turned on. Having said that the place was beautiful and romanitically decorated.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Outstanding lodge and staff

Lion Sands was beyond our expectations in everyway. We planned this trip as a once in a lifetime experience and within a day were thinking - we have to come back here. The staff was amazing in every way and made the entire stay much more enjoyable. The rooms were spacious and bedding and bathroom were great. The food was delicious and the evening meals varied in location with entertainment provided some nights. The safari guides and trackers were beyond belief in their knowledge of the animals, birds, plants, etc. with the opportunity to explore with your guides 6 to 8 hours a day. We are telling everyone what an amazing place this was and recommending it to all.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing wildlife and great service

We had a wonderful time at Lion Sands. Very friendly staff, great food and fantastic game drives with knowledgable guides.
Verified review

6/10 Good

Great except for LIMITED "all-inclusive"

Having just come from a resort where all-inclusive included all items in the VERY WELL stocked mini-bar as well as laundry, we were very disappointed that this wasn't the case at Lion Sands. Even at lunch, dinner and the bar, we were only offered 1choice of red wine, which wasn't very good. Considering the price of this hotel, we felt these extras should be included.